Why is the small intestine longer than the large intestine?

Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
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The descriptive terms “small” and “long” refer to the diameter of the intestine rather than the length. The diameter of the small intestine is only approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters), while the diameter of the large intestine is 2.5 to 3.0 inches (6.5 to 7.5 centimeters).